Owning a piece of the same homestead that my ancestors settled makes me a steward of this earth. Like my parents and grandparents, there are days when I am sweaty and exhausted from good honest work in the soil; there are days when I sit in my cushioned chair on the deck admiring the clouds. I am fortunate to have ”one foot in the city” and “one foot on the farm.”

One Foot

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Mother's Day and Lessons Learned

A lifetime of Susie

Mother’s
Day finds me I a reflective state, musing about the impact my own mother had on
my life.She died about fifteen years
ago leaving a forever impression on my life and heart.

I
was my mother’s caregiver the last two years of her life and although I often
found this difficult, I also find my experience is one now to be shared with
many friends who are dealing with their own parents.It is often so painful to deal with our loved
ones’ declining mental or physical health, let alone the increasing loss of their
independence.It is likely a strain on
finances, a drain on available time, and a weight on the heart.

I
listened to a brief interview this morning with the contemporary Christian
singer, Amy Grant as she shared thoughts which led to her new album; This is How Mercy Looks From Here.She described a time in her own life when
she, too, cared for her parents.She was
dealing with many problems as they aged and suffered from dementia. Overwhelmed
and frustrated, she shared her feelings with a close friend, who thoughtfully
responded,

A Moment of Peace

“Take
a deep breath.Don’t you see?This is the last great lesson your parents
will teach you.”

Tears
came to my eyes as I listened.From her
own life, Amy Grant had learned to reframe an experience to see its value.I could only empathize as I reflected on
those difficult years with my own mother.It was indeed her last great lesson for me.

It
is a beautiful Sunday afternoon and I have lunched with one son and chatted
with the other.I am a happy mother, pleased
with the men who are my sons.I continue
to live my life loving them and hope I leave them richer as a result.Is there any greater joy than motherhood? Are
we not always teaching?

The interview with Amy Grant may be heard at www.NPR.org, May 12, 2013 Weekend Edition, For Amy Grant, Beauty and Tragedy Give Way
to Mercy.